Tag Archives: Norms

Filter Cleaning

Living in the Spirit
November 2, 2017

Scripture Reading: 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13

You remember our labor and toil, brothers and sisters; we worked night and day, so that we might not burden any of you while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. You are witnesses, and God also, how pure, upright, and blameless our conduct was towards you believers. As you know, we dealt with each one of you like a father with his children, urging and encouraging you and pleading that you should lead a life worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.
–1 Thessalonians 2:9-12

Why do you suppose Paul felt the need to establish credentials with the Thessalonians by reminding them of things they already observed? Did he think they might lose sight of his work after an absence? Perhaps he knows what he is about to say needs to be tethered to whom they know he is? I must confess reading this brief remark makes me anticipate a follow-up sermon on what I am doing wrong, after all, Paul’s previous hard work. While some of Paul’s letters do go in that direction, his letters to the Thessalonians underline what they are doing right during difficulties.

What we say and what we write matters as we strive to be the Body of Christ in the world today. We all have filters built into our brains by our life experiences and cultures that interpret words and actions. Our filters may be like those of the writer or speaker, but at times they may be different. We see this played out every day regarding white privilege. Our white filters say our norms are the norms and we cannot understand why others have a problem with that. Honestly, most people think their norms are the right ones so for one set of norms to overshadow another’s norms requires adding a dose of power to the equation. At one time in the USA part of that power was sheer population numbers. As a left-handed person, I experience the right-handed norms of our society every day and am forced to accommodate them. Some are easier to adjust to than others. I have never been able to work one of those can openers that is clipped onto a can while twisting a gizmo on top.

Our population has grown more diverse, and we are now developing new sets of norms based on that diversity. Finding a new normal always takes time, energy, and a commitment to make it work. We base our commitment on the charge from Jesus Christ that we all be one. (John 17:21)

The Oklahoma City Thunder is showing us the way by melding together some outstanding players who have never played together before. They seem to be enjoying finding the rhythm needed to be a winning team. They have committed to making it work.

Prayer: Lord, help us review our filters and clean out any that no longer apply, add new ones we can adapt from others, and make us one. Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.

My Norms or God’s

normsLiving in the Spirit
June 10,2016

Scripture Reading: Galatians 2:15-21

For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not nullify the grace of God; for if justification comes through the law, then Christ died for nothing. –Galatians 2:19-21

Which comes first a rule or a norm? The word “norm” is defined as an authoritarian rule, a standard of conduct or ethical value, or an ideal standard binding upon the members of a group and serving to guide, control, or regulate proper and acceptable behavior. * So what is the difference between a rule and an authoritarian rule? An authoritarian rule has a bases beyond the rule itself. Perhaps the only reason we obey the speed limit is the knowledge that we might have to pay a ticket if we fail to obey the law. That is a shade of authority and probably the one on which most of us fall back. Jesus calls us to a higher authority, the authority of doing what is right for the sake of its rightness. It is called justice. Actually it resonates also throughout the Mosaic laws and particularly the prophets. I commend to you Joan Chisttester’s book The Ten Commandments: Laws of the Heart to explore this further.

Discerning justice is a whole lot more complicated than following closely a check list of rules that, once obeyed get us through the turnstile of rightness. Thus we try to win the battle of being the people who establish the rules. We certainly want our norms to be at the top of the list. It makes life a lot easier since we are already practicing them.

How do we know that our norms are in synch with God’s or for that matter how do we know another’s norms are not in synch with God’s? What is just? What is really right? Discerning justice requires a very close walk with the Lord. It requires us to study the Biblical word of God and the Word of God in the person of Jesus Christ. Discerning justice is a precursor to doing justice which we are called to do.

Prayer: Lord, forgive me for assuming that my norms are your norms. Broaden my vision to see your justice and help me take the difficult journey to make your justice my rules for living. Amen.

*http://unabridged.merriam-webster.com/unabridged/norm

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of American. Used by permission. All rights reserved.